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Diego Costa all smiles at Chelsea training amid ongoing exit talk

Diego Costa has not had too much to smile about of late, but he looked happy enough at Chelsea training on Thursday.

The Spain international has found himself at the centre of an unwelcome transfer saga, with serious questions being asked of his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

Talk of big-money offers from China are said to have turned his head, while a potential return to La Liga at either former club Atletico Madrid or reigning champions Barcelona has been mooted.

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Liga giants eye Costa summer move

Chelsea have sought to play the situation down, with Costa’s absence from last weekend’s 3-0 victory at Leicester City put down to a back complaint.

He has been eased into the fold since then, having initially been forced to train away from the main group.

The 28-year-old is seemingly very much back in that pack now, with club captain John Terry posting a picture from training which shows Costa to be all smiles alongside his Blues colleagues.

How Chelsea can replace Costa

Costa has 14 Premier League goals to his name so far, with that return enough to have him sat alongside the leaders in the race for the Golden Boot.

He has also helped Antonio Conte’s side to the top of the table, with a seven-point lead held over the chasing pack after 21 games.

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